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Vitamin C therapy is now being used to address a range of maladies including coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat and cancer. The rationale centers around the body's ability to ensure the integrity of your cells and to make collagen, a primary building block in your body. Find out why Vitamin C therapy is looked upon as a promising treatment for coronary artery disease. Learning what's new in natural healing is The Natural Path to good health.

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Low-Carb vs. No-Carb Diets

People considering a carb controlled diet often wonder about the differences between low-carbohydrate and no-carbohydrate diets. While the underlying principles are the same, the implementation is different. How do low-carb diets stack up against no-carb diets?

Many low-carbohydrate diet proponents believe that human beings need to avoid refined carbohydrates, sugars, and processed foods as an evolutionary imperative. Early humans were hunter-gatherers who most likely ate foods that they could either forage or kill. Some physicians, like Kurt G. Harris who invented the Archevore Diet, suggest that the human body has not evolved to process the foods that make up the bulk of the Western diet, including multiple processed foods like pasta, baked goods, and sugary snacks. Low-carbohydrate diets that focus on animal protein and vegetables mimic the eating habits of early humans, possibly providing a healthy, more natural way of eating.

In his book, Good Calories, Bad Calories, Gary Taubes explains exactly how carbohydrate consumption affects humans. When you eat carbohydrate containing foods, your blood glucose rises. In response, your pancreas releases insulin to return your blood sugar to a normal level. Insulin is the hormone responsible for storing dietary fat in your fat cells. It also keeps that fat from leaving the cells. Why does insulin do this? Because it exists to protect our body from times of famine by storing energy for lean times. Both types of diets limit the amount of insulin your body produces.

Diets in which you consume fewer than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day are considered to be low-carb. No carb diets, on the other hand, consist of zero carbohydrates. This means that you primarily eat animal protein and fat on a zero carbohydrate diet. Low-carbohydrate diets, on the other hand, allow you to eat some carbohydrate-containing foods, such as non-starchy vegetables, nuts, and moderate carbohydrate fruits. Most of the recommend low-carbohydrate diet plans, such as Atkins, Protein Power, and South Beach, recommend a moderate amount of carbohydrate intake.

Many people believe that if eating a low-carbohydrate diet will lead to weight loss, then eating a zero carbohydrate diet will bring about faster and greater losses. This isn't exactly true. Limiting carbohydrates in your diet is not the same as limiting calories and fat, and the mechanisms of loss differ. There is no scientific evidence that eating a zero carbohydrate diet will lead to faster weight loss.

Many scientists have studied low-carbohydrate diets to determine their efficacy. A 2010 Temple University study followed dieters for two years. One group of dieters ate a traditional low-fat, low-calorie diet while another group ate an Atkins-style low-carbohydrate diet. The study showed both diets to be equally effective at generating weight loss. Similar results have turned up in other studies, as well.

The only study performed on a zero-carbohydrate diet occurred in 1929 when two men agreed to go a year eating only meat. The study participants didn't lose weight, but they also experienced no predicted adverse effects of too much protein in the diet such as kidney disease or vitamin deficiencies.

Many health experts, such as MayoClinic.com, express concern that low-carbohydrate diets contain insufficient fiber, which can lead to constipation or even colon disease. No-carb diets contain even less fiber. Both low and no-carb diets are also high in saturated fat, which has been shown to contribute to heart disease.

No-carbohydrate diets are an extreme form of low-carbohydrate diets. For many, they prove difficult to maintain because of the lack of variety inherent in the diet. Most experts suggest a moderate approach to low-carbohydrate dieting that includes, at the very least, non-starchy vegetables. No discernible benefits arise from fully limiting carbohydrates.

Before going on a low-carbohydrate or no-carbohydrate diet, talk with your doctor.

Macrobiotic Diet Foods

Diet influences your life and health and choosing macrobiotic foods is often not just an eating method, but encompasses a holistic way of living. Macrobiotic foods promote good health and may be eaten to prevent illness or as a supplement for other methods of healing. Food selection follows the principles of yin and yang to provide balance for your environment. Some foods are considered to have more of these types of energy, in that they offset temperature or environmental changes. For example, in the summer, yin foods might contain more water and are refreshing for the body if the weather is hot. Alternatively, in colder months, yang foods have more aromas and provide warmth. Thus, macrobiotic diet recommendations follow these principles when selecting foods.

The macrobiotic diet includes a variety of different foods eaten in proportion for balance, with the largest amount of your calories coming from whole grains. The amounts of calories you eaten each day include:

50 to 60 percent from whole grains 20 to 30 percent from vegetables 5 to 10 percent from soups made with approved vegetables, condiments and sea vegetables 5 to 10 percent from beans, lentils and sea vegetables

Some types of foods are acceptable to eat on a regular basis in the right proportions for your daily diet. The foods to include regularly are:

Vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, leeks, mustard greens, onions, radishes, turnips and winter squash Whole grains, including barley, brown rice, corn, oats, rye and wheat Aduki beans, chickpeas, lentils and tofu Sea vegetables such as arame, hiziki, kelp, kombu and nori Seafood, including carp, flounder, halibut and trout Drinks such as banchea tea, dandelion root tea, roasted barley tea and spring water

You may also use some types of flavorings to add taste and for use in cooking. Flavorings such as brown rice vinegar, barley malt and seaweed powder; and seasonings such as sea salt, miso, tamari soy sauce and organic vegetable oil are all acceptable for regular use.

Some foods are acceptable to eat on occasion but should be limited to no more than two to three times per week in season:

Vegetables such as celery, cucumbers, lettuce, string beans and water chestnuts Whole grains, including bulgur, rice cakes, tortillas or whole wheat pasta and crackers Beans such as kidney beans, lima beans, navy beans, pinto beans or soybeans Seafood, including clams, shrimp and oysters Nuts and seeds, including peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and walnuts Fruits in season and local to your climate

Foods to avoid on a macrobiotic diet include:

White rice, white flour, white sugar, foods made with yeast and processed cereals Vegetables such as beets, peas, pickles, potatoes, spinach, yams and zucchini Red meat, poultry, frozen entrees and canned or processed foods Eggs, dairy products, chocolate and honey Drinks such as fruit juice, shakes, malts, coffee, soda, black tea and alcohol Nuts such as Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamia nuts and pistachios Seafood, including bluefish, mackerel, swordfish and tuna

Preparing macrobiotic foods involves using simple methods of cooking. Methods such as boiling, preparing soups, stir-frying without oil and steaming are all ways of cooking macrobiotic foods that are simple, use fewer condiments and sauces and preserve flavor. Foods may also be prepared using a pressure cooker if you have one. Occasionally, foods may be prepared using a small amount of vegetable oil for sauteing; they may also be baked or eaten raw.

Try to eat foods that are not processed, are organic and locally grown whenever possible. Cooking using a gas flame is preferable to preparing foods using electric ovens or microwaves. Select cast-iron or stainless steel utensils and pans rather than those coated with Teflon. In addition to carefully preparing your foods, chewing food thoroughly may make digestion easier and will give you time to reflect on what you are eating and to show gratitude for your meal.

Macrobiotic foods hold many benefits by providing vitamins and nutrients good for your health. By choosing these types of foods and following a macrobiotic diet, you are making positive choices for your lifestyle that can result in better physical and emotional health.

Oblique Workout

Masters in Exercise and Sports Science

If you want to work the internal and external oblique muscles that run diagonally across your torso, you need to focus on twisting exercises that engage this portion of your abdominals. Targeting these muscles several times a week can help enhance your core strength, posture and balance, so add three to four oblique exercises to your regular exercise routine to start seeing results.

Even if you don't focus on exercising your obliques very often, they actually work constantly to help you perform basic functions. Your obliques engage every time you take a breath, helping to expand and contract the chest cavity as your lungs take in and exhale air. They also engage during torso rotation and flexion, as you bend, twist and move throughout the day. By including three to four oblique exercises two to three times a week, you can help increase your abdominal strength, improve posture and balance while also enhancing your functional fitness. Consider trying the following four exercises as part of your regular fitness routine:

Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Bend your elbows and place your fists next to your ears. At the same time, lift your feet off the ground so that your hips and knees form 90-degree angles. Engage your abdominals and crunch your head and shoulders up off the floor. As you crunch up, engage your obliques and begin twisting your torso until your right elbow touches your left knee. As you perform this twist, simultaneously extend your right leg without allowing your foot to touch the floor. Twist back to center as you bring your right leg back to its bent position. Perform the same exercise, this time trying to touch your left elbow to your right knee as you extend your left leg. Continue "bicycling" your legs as you twist your torso to the left and right. Perform two or three sets of 10 to 15 full repetitions (twisting to the right and left is a single repetition). Lie on your left side with your feet stacked on top of each other and torso propped up on your forearm so that your elbow is positioned directly below your shoulder. You can place your right palm on the floor in front of your torso for additional balance. Engage your abs and lift your hips off the floor so that your body forms a straight line from your feet to your head. After gaining balance, lift your right hand off the floor and extend your right arm up toward the ceiling. Hold the position for five seconds. Keeping your body in the side plank position, slowly and steadily sweep your right arm down in front of your body, then reach it under your left side, twisting your torso so your chest faces down toward the floor. Hold this position for a second, then twist back to the side plank, sweeping your right arm back up toward the ceiling. Repeat three to five side plank twists before performing the exercise on the opposite side. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold an eight- to ten-pound dumbbell in your right hand, hanging at your side. Place your left hand on your left hip. Engage your abs and gradually flex your torso to the right side as you slide the dumbbell down the outside of your right leg. This should be a steady, controlled movement. When you've flexed as far as you comfortably can, continue engaging your obliques as you slowly return to the standing position. Perform 10 to 15 repetitions on your right side before switching sides. Sit on the floor with your knees bent, your feet flat on the ground. Hold a three- to ten-pound medicine ball in both hands at your midline. Keeping your torso straight and tall, lean back slightly so that your body forms a "V" shape. You can flex your ankles and lift your toes off the ground if you like. Keeping your hips stationary and the medicine ball tracking with your belly button (i.e., not twisting your arms), twist your entire torso to the right as you attempt to touch the medicine ball to the ground. After twisting as far as you comfortably can to the right, continue to engage your abs as you twist your torso back to center. Continue the twisting motion by twisting your entire torso to the left side, attempting to touch the medicine ball to the floor on your left. Perform eight to 12 full twists to each side while maintaining proper form.

When it comes to performing abdominal exercises, form is more important than the number of exercises you perform or the amount of weight you use. Start with light weight and fewer repetitions and work your way up to a more advanced routine. Improperly performing ab exercises could lead to back pain or injury; plus, you'll actually see greater results when you perform the exercises with the correct form.

How to Fool Your Metabolism into Burning Fat

Is it possible to fool your metabolism into burning fat? The answer is a resounding yes! Everyone knows that as people age their metabolism typically slows down. While most children don't have to worry about boosting their metabolism, adults continue to wage war with those added pounds that continue to sneak up on their bodies. Diet and exercise play a huge role in controlling weight gain, but you can also trick your body's metabolism into burning fat as well.

According to an article written by By Samantha Heller, M.S., R.D. and published in Health Magazine, most people's metabolic rate, which is defined as the energy your body uses when it is at rest, is typically based on genetics. Some people's bodies are just genetically geared to have a faster metabolic rate than others. That's certainly good news for some, but bad news for others.

Whether you want to lose weight or simply feel more energetic, eating healthy foods is the key. Choose foods and snacks like the following:

Asparagus Beans Broccoli Eggs Fish Legumes Melons Nuts Oatmeal Spinach Whole-grain cereals Apples Bananas Baby carrots Hummus Low-fat cheddar cheese Peanut butter Trail mix

Serve apples or bananas with peanut butter or low-fat cheddar cheese for a delicious snack, or munch on hummus with whole-wheat crackers.

Most people know how important water is to the body, but they may not realize that guzzling a large glass (or two) of icy cold water can boost metabolism as well. In addition to that tall glass of water, begin each day with a good breakfast. Again, choose healthy foods, such as whole-wheat toast and a tablespoon of peanut butter or fat-free yogurt with a handful of nuts or granola.

Catabolic foods can help your body burn fat as well. Eating these foods means you actually use more energy to burn more calories than the actual calories you ingested! Catabolic foods are primarily fruits and vegetables, and some of the best foods for you to eat include the following:

Apple Pineapple Orange Watermelon Lemons Limes Grapes Spinach Carrot Tomato Potato Broccoli

A word of caution: While these foods are certainly good for you, a balanced diet is extremely important to maintaining a healthy body. Be sure you still fulfill the nutritional guidelines published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Exercise is good in just about any form, but there are exercise routines you can do that will fool your metabolism into burning more fat.

Interval training - Many people choose a particular form of exercise and stick with it. After a while, however, the body adjusts to that exercise and weight loss slows down. However, with interval training, you are tricking your metabolism into continuously burning more fat because your workout alternates short bursts of intense activity with slower, less intense activity. A popular new program that will have you up and moving at least three times a week is the Couch to 5K Running Plan. If you have an iTouch, iPhone, or Droid phone, you can download apps, like "Get Running" which gives voice prompts for what to do during the walk/jog routine.

Weight lifting - Another way to boost metabolism is by lifting weights. This isn't body building, but instead a way to boost your metabolism with strength or resistance training. Start out slowly with weights that provide resistance but aren't so heavy that you have to strain and push to lift them.

Finally, don't starve your body. When you restrict calories from your diet, you are depriving your body of a necessary energy source. This can actually slow down your metabolism because the body is tricked into believing that it must store carbs and fat until more food is available. Instead, eat regular meals filled with healthy foods that will provide your body energy and boost its metabolism.

The phrase "You are what you eat" holds a lot of wisdom. Stop starving your body or filling it with empty calories from processed and sugar filled foods, and instead choose fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods that provide your body with the energy it needs to stay active and healthy. When you change the way you eat, your metabolism speeds up, and those pounds start to melt away!

StreetStrider Elliptical Cross Trainer Interview

Dr. Dave Kraus, Inventor/President of StreetStrider

LoveToKnow welcomes Dr. Dave Kraus, the inventor of the the StreetStrider elliptical cross trainer to discuss the unique exercise machine. The StreetStrider is a mobile elliptical device that can also provide green transportation. Learn about how Dr. Kraus developed the StreetStrider and the fitness benefits of the exercise device.

Fitness expert Dr. Dave Kraus is the inventor of the StreetStrider elliptical cross trainer and president of StreetStrider International, LLC. Dr. Kraus taught science for years on the faculty of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has been published in a number of scientific publications. His lifelong interest in fitness, science background and spending 20 years traveling 20 miles to work by bicycle led to the invention of the StreetStrider. He recognized a need for combining the benefits of both biking and elliptical workouts in one device.

Dr. Dave Kraus's personal experience with biking to work and working out on stationary elliptical machines inspired the invention of a device that provides the total body workout of biking with the more low impact benefits of elliptical trainers.

LoveToKnow (LTK): What exactly is the StreetStrider and how does it work?

Dr. Dave Kraus (Kraus): The StreetStrider is an elliptical cross trainer on wheels designed to use the excellent motion that you get with a stationary elliptical cross trainer to propel yourself down the road. The elliptical path of your feet on the StreetStrider's foot platforms drives a crank system much like a bicycle crank, providing torque to the rear hub either by a chain sprocket connection or directly via a chainless hub, depending on the model. Reciprocating arm motion of the strider poles connected to the strider skis (on which the foot platforms rest) adds an additional 30% more torque to the rear wheel. Because the arms and legs are used together for propulsion, steering is achieved by a lean-to-steer mechanism - leaning the vehicle to one side causes the wheels to be steered in that direction. In this way, the upper and lower body muscles are used for propulsion and the core body muscles are used to steer the vehicle, providing an excellent cardiovascular, low impact, total body workout.

Woman riding a StreetStrider

LTK: How does the StreetStrider differ from riding a bike or using an elliptical machine as a workout?

Kraus: The StreetStrider provides a natural, weight-bearing, jogging-like exercise that is ideally suited for humans, as we are designed for jogging. In fact, StreetStriding is even better than jogging because it is low impact and full body, providing exceptional cardiovascular benefits. The ability to carve while steering the StreetStrider gives the exhilarating sensation of skiing downhill, so the fun factor is substantial, providing motivation to maintain StreetStriding as part of a daily regimen.

A bicycle, although an efficient means of human-powered locomotion, is propelled almost exclusively by the legs, so it does not offer the same full body workout as the StreetStrider. The cyclist's posture, although providing minimal air resistance, is anatomically quite stressful due to pressure on the soft tissues of the groin and the ulnar nerves of the wrist, as well as sharp unnatural angles of the vertebral lumbar and cervical regions. In addition, cycling is not weight bearing, while the StreetStrider is.

Stationary elliptical cross trainers, while providing jogging-like exercise suitable for the human anatomy, are designed with a large inertial fly wheel for smooth, constant motion. Once this fly wheel is rotating, it requires less effort to maintain the rotational momentum of the fly wheel mass, allowing the indoor elliptical rider to reduce upper body work. Core muscles are not used for steering or stability, as they are with the StreetStrider. In addition, there is no adventure or fun associated with a stationary device.

LTK: What inspired you to invent the StreetStrider?

Kraus: As a professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, I rode my bicycle to work almost 20 miles a day for nearly 20 years, mainly because I liked the physiological efficiency of bicycling and the low carbon footprint. But our bodies are not designed for the cycling posture, with the uncomfortable bike seat, hunched over back, and bent wrists and neck. During the rainy months when I worked out in the gym, I discovered the elliptical cross trainer when it came on the scene about 10-12 years ago. These were the most popular pieces of equipment in the gym, and they gave the best overall exercise, very much like cross country skiing. But I didn't want to be stuck in the gym. So I decided to make a few tests for balance and torque development, and came up with the idea of the StreetStrider, which was called the Elliptical Traveler in my original patent application. With the help of my patent lawyer, I submitted the application in 2005 and we got the patent in 2010.

Biggest Loser show contestant Sherry Johnston riding a StreetStrider

LTK: What is the story behind the StreetStrider ETX 8r and its connection with the hit TV show, The Biggest Loser?

Kraus: As we were developing the StreetStrider, we realized we had a device that provided an effective and healthful exercise with low anatomical stress yet a high calorie burn rate. Because of our desire to help reduce the obesity epidemic, we approached the producers of The Biggest Loser (BL) show and engaged in discussions with them, as well as the contestants, about trying some of our first prototypes. They were immediately attracted to the concept and requested that we work together to develop a StreetStrider model that could support the contestants' weights. We worked with the BL show for approximately 4 seasons to assure that the design could sustain the contestants' weight during vigorous workouts. As a result of our combined efforts, the current StreetStrider ETX 8r model satisfies the development goals: it gives individuals up to 400 pounds a safe, extremely beneficial exercise to help them achieve their weight loss goals while having fun, which is most important.

LTK: How can people use StreetStriders for green transportation?

Kraus: According to the Sierra Club, nearly half of all car trips in the United States are three miles or less; more than a quarter are less than a mile. To reduce carbon footprint, these trips could easily be made with the StreetStrider. Aside from a helmet, no special clothing is necessary to ride a StreetStrider, and it is fairly easy to achieve 10 mph on level ground. When StreetStriding, you are upright and elevated, with excellent visibility of your surroundings, plus everyone can easily see you. By outfitting the StreetStrider with baskets or a cart, you can carry groceries, laptops or even kids, so the StreetStrider is perfect for green transportation.

LTK: What advice do you have for a beginning exerciser who wants to use the StreetStrider to get in shape?

Kraus: When beginning exercisers want to use the StreetStrider to get in shape, we first ask them if they are able to use a stationary elliptical machine - this will indicate if their range of joint motion is adequate. If so, we show them the how-to-ride basics. Many people learn how to ride the StreetStrider in less than 5 minutes, and even customers who do not ride bicycles and are not regular exercisers often become comfortable with StreetStriding in a matter of 15-20 minutes. Then we advise the customers to start out with short strides, including practicing in open, level parking lots. After becoming familiar with their StreetStriders, many customers are amazed at how fast their performance and endurance levels increase.

LTK: Can people of all fitness levels use the StreetStrider?

Kraus: People of all fitness levels have found that the StreetStrider provides excellent exercise, notably even the best exercise some of them have ever tried. It's been successfully used by all kinds of people, from overweight individuals trying to avoid bariatric surgery to world class athletes looking for alternative performance conditioning. The StreetStrider has also been used by people of all ages, including even nonagenarians, who want to maintain a healthy, fit lifestyle.

To learn more about the StreetStrider, visit the official website. Customers can purchase the cross trainer at the site or find dealers that sell the device at locations throughout the USA and internationally through the site's "Find a Dealer" locator map feature. People can also demo the StreetStrider with sales affiliates at the StreetStrider LA Fitness and Demo Center in Venice Beach, California - 310-491-7975. The company also offers StreetStriders for sale at the operational headquarters in Fresno, California - 559-892-1943.

Thank you Dr. Kraus for the interview and introducing the StreetStrider.

Living Skinny in Fat Genes Interview with Dr. Felicia Stoler

Can your genes make it hard to lose weight? If so, what can you do to overcome it? Dr. Felicia Stoler, the host of TLC's Honey We're Killing the Kids, answers these questions and provides healthy eating tips in an exclusive interview.

Dr. Felicia D. Stoler, DCN, MS, RD, FACSM, is registered dietician, exercise physiologist and consultant for nutrition and fitness. She is best known as the nutrition expert on TLC's Honey We're Killing the Kids. She is also the author of the healthy living book, Living Skinny in Fat Genes. She has a private practice in New Jersey and offers online counseling.

Dr. Stoler believes you don't need to cut out food groups or follow restrictive diets to lose weight and stay healthy.

LoveToKnow (LTK): In your new book, Living Skinny in Fat Genes, you talk about how people can overcome their genetics to lose weight. Please explain how genetics play a role in weight gain and difficulties with weight loss.

Dr. Felicia Stoler (Stoler): The point of this statement is that people shouldn't feel hopeless if their parents and/or siblings are overweight. Weight gain and loss is about the law of physics and energy balance. For most of us, barring a metabolic disorder, this is learned: portions, food choices, physical activity, etc. Genetics influence our potential for bone density and muscle mass. Fat storage capability is infinite.

LTK: Can people really eat all types of food and still lose weight?

Stoler: People can eat a variety of foods and lose weight (vs. eliminating food groups); however, the key is variety (from all the food groups), portion control and balancing it out with daily physical activity. Eating plenty of foods from the ground up is important: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, skim or fat-free dairy, lean meats, nuts, and even eggs can be part of a healthy weight loss regimen - and just good eating habits. I find that portion distortion is the greatest challenge for more people.

LTK: What about carbs?

Stoler: Our bodies require carbohydrates for fuel. We can only store about six hours' worth in our body - so just like gas in a car, it needs to be replenished constantly. 50% of our calories should come from carbohydrates: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. People have to worry about eating too many calories overall - not just carbs. Many people forget that many beverages contain calories (& often empty calories).

LTK: Could you share some tips on how to avoid eating fast food ?

Stoler: Often people think fast food is quicker, but there are ways to make healthy food in your home that can be just as convenient. Here are some tips:

Plan ahead and stock your pantry with easy to use ingredients (canned/frozen veggies, quick cook rice & pasta). Buy prepared foods (like shredded cheese, cooked chicken strips, bagged/washed lettuce). Batch cook; freeze soups, stews, etc., and eat leftovers. Cook on weekends. Use quick cooking methods. Prepare meals that pack a variety in one dish. If you must eat fast food, there are better options: salads, baked potatoes, fruits, yogurt, eat a small burger and fries, and drink water.

LTK: When people are tempted to snack on things like chips or cookies, what are some healthy alternatives that are just as satisfying?

Stoler: I say, eat 'em up! Just choose wisely. There are many brands that make cookies and "healthier chips"; the challenges is sticking to the portion. Pretzels and whole grain crackers make great snacks. Just choose healthy dips.

These are some of my favorites:

Dorito's Multigrain Chips (and scoops) Corozonas Potato Chips and Tortilla Chips Popchips Any hard pretzels Kashi Pita Crips Lowfat Triscuits Corozonas Oatmeal Squares Vitalicious muffin tops and brownies Skinny Cow Ice Cream 0% Fat Greek Yogurt as a dip in place of sour cream Hummus as a dip

LTK: What are your recommendations for busy people who eat out regularly to make healthy food choices?

Stoler: My book has many great tips for Grab' n Go foods. My first suggestion is to not get so over-hungry that your "eyes are bigger than your stomach." Go easy on the alcohol & calorie-laden beverages.

Healthy options include the following:

Vegetarian pizza Vegetable-based soups Consomme Vegetable or fruit plate Salad with dressing on the side Steamed, grilled or roasted vegetables Baked potatoes (accoutrements on the side) Grilled chicken or fish Lean meat (filet mignon) Vegetable patties Small burgers Yogurt shakes with low fat or fat free yogurt Sandwiches (skip the mayo & have it on the side) on wheat, rye, or whole-grain breads with mustard, salsa, mashed avocado, low fat mayo or hummus Fresh fruit, sorbet or angel food cake Cappuccino (skim or low fat milk)

Use these tips for ordering:

Order a la carte. Order soup & salad in lieu of a full meal (order on extra appetizer as an entree). Order all dressings & sauces on the side. Order a meal as if you were eating at home. Move bread or chips to the other side of the table (if you are tempted to over-indulge). Avoid buffets or value meals (it's really not about the value but the calories).

Know these words to look for when ordering:

Au jus Baked Braised Broiled Marinara Primavera Poached Roasted Steamed Stir-fried (ask them to go light on the oil) Vinaigrette

Know these words to avoid when ordering:

Alfredo Au gratin Cheese sauce Bearnaise Breaded Beurre blanc Buttered Creamed Crispy Double crust En croute Fried: Deep, pan Pastry Prime Rich Sauteed Scalloped White Sauces Dr. Stoler's advice can help the whole family eat healthy.

LTK: On the TLC show, Honey We're Killing the Kids, you provide counseling to families on how to feed the entire family healthy foods and help kids develop good eating habits. How can parents encourage kids who are picky eaters to eat healthy?

Stoler: Be patient and remind your children to keep trying foods - even it if it's "just one bite." It can take upwards of 20 exposures to foods before kids may accept a new food. Remind them that they had to try, what is now their favorite foods, a number of times before they liked it. Try to keep ingredients and flavors simple. Note that some children prefer veggies cooked or raw. Include kids in the cooking process. Let them pick out a recipe (with some guidance) and participate in the grocery shopping and preparation. If you have more than one child, let each child have the choice for the menu on separate days. Take note of textures and flavors. As children age, they will be more accepting of various changes.

Provide a variety, and try to ensure your kids are getting something from each food group every day. Avoid junk food for snacks right before meals, and only have water or skim milk at meals.

Fruit & yogurt parfait:

Layer your favorite flavor of 0% Fat Greek Yogurt (or vanilla - most kids don't like plain) with cut up fruit or berries, and top with Kellogg's All Bran Fiber Buds (in lieu of high cal granola).

Hasselback Potatoes

These are super easy to make. You can even make them on the BBQ over the summer (wrap each potato in foil). This recipe takes baking potatoes (any type - just not small potatoes), but you can also use red skin or white skin potatoes (one/person).

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place each potato between the handle of two wooden spoons (or chop sticks). Carefully cut with a sharp knife, into the potato. Make additional cuts ? inch (or smaller) apart. Brush w/olive oil and sprinkle with salt. You may take dried garlic slices or fresh cloves and place in each slit (optional). Bake for one hour in the oven. I prefer to put on top of parchment, so it doesn't stick). Baste with the oil during the hour. You may add herbs to taste.

"Kettle" Cauliflower

Take one large head of cauliflower, and cut it into small pieces.

In a bowl mix the following:

8 tbs oil (olive may be too strong in flavor, I use blended oil or Malaysian Palm Oil) ? tsp Paprika ? tsp Tumeric ? tsp Garlic powder ? tsp Onion Powder 1 tsp Salt 2 tsp Sugar

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Coat the cauliflower with the oil and seasonings. Place on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper. Cook for 30 minutes. Turning the mixture one or two times during the baking process.

Note: the cauliflower does reduce in volume during the cooking.

To learn more about Dr. Stoler, visit her website. There, she offers more information on her services and book.

Thigh Exercise Equipment

Masters in Exercise and Sports Science

There's not a person out there who doesn't want toned, cellulite-free thighs that look great in everything from bathing suits to skinny jeans. Marketers know this, and every year new exercise equipment arrives on the market promising sleek, beautiful thighs in just minutes of exercise every day. The truth is that sleek, toned thighs are the responsibility of the exerciser, not just the equipment. However, here are a few pieces of thigh exercise equipment that make the grade for quality and results.

When you hit the gym with the intention of toning up your thighs, you need to know how to navigate the commercial gym equipment. Here are a few of the best options:

You may not like squats, but they are one of the best thigh-toning exercises out there. Most gyms have free standing squat racks for this purpose, but some gyms also have squat machines (like the FreeMotion Squat) that are designed to take you through the squat motion without the hassle of handling weight plates.

Like the squat rack, the leg press machine is often available as either a free weight station or a selectorized weight machine. The leg press targets the thighs in a similar manner to the squat, but it's often a safer exercise for indiivduals with back problems because the back remains stabilized throughout the exercise.

The leg curl targets your hamstrings, or the back of your thighs, while the leg extension targets your quadriceps, or the front of your thighs. Most gyms will have these machines set up as part of their circuit training area.

The hip abduction and hip adduction machines target your outer and inner thighs, respectively. These machines may be separate, or in some cases, it's a single machine with a swiveling knee pad that allows you to change the target muscle group. Most gyms have these machines as a component of their circuit training area.

The exact same pieces of equipment you use at the gym are available as residential equipment if you have the space and money to allot for this purpose. If you don't, there's no need to worry. There are lots of options that cost less and offer the same results, as long as you take full advantage of them.

There are a number of home gym stations designed to target every muscle group in the body, including the thighs. Look for high-quality residential equipment from major manufacturers like LifeFitness, Precor and FreeMotion. These weight stations should offer you the ability to perform squats, lunges, deadlifts, and in some cases, leg extensions and leg curls. Some of the best options have dual adjustable pulleys that allow you to manipulate the angle of resistance for a wide variety of exercise options. These may not look like a traditional weight machine, and they may take some getting used to, but you (and your thighs!) will be glad you took the time to learn. You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 for a quality home gym station.

Fitness balls are a standard, inexpensive piece of home exercise equipment that you can use to target your thighs. Place a ball between your body and a wall to perform squats, balance one leg on the ball as you do backward lunges or roll the ball toward your supine body as you do leg curls. There's no muscle group you can't target with a simple fitness ball. Expect to pay between $20 and $50 on high-quality balls.

Suspension trainers like the Jungle Gym XT are relatively new to the fitness market, but they've definitely proven their worth. Like stability balls, suspension trainers add instablity to your exercise routine, challenging multiple muscle groups throughout every motion. The Jungle Gym XT is a high-quality piece of equipment that allows you to target your thighs while performing squats, lunges, hip adductions and abductions, leg curls and bridges. The best part? When you're done with your routine, simply pack away the trainer - it doesn't need a dedicated space. You can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for most quality trainers.

Strength training equipment doesn't have a corner on the market when it comes to toning the thighs. You can also strengthen and shape your thighs by performing cardiovascular exercises that target the legs. Treadmills and ellipticals do a good job of this, but a few other pieces of cardio equipment are even better.

No matter what type of bike you choose to ride, there's no denying the fact that cycling targets the thighs and butt. The nice thing about cycling is that you can choose to workout at a gym, at home or outside. You can even purchase bikes designed to be riden while working from home. The FitDesk is a relative newcomer to the market, but because of its home and office applications, its popularity is growing immensely.

Step mills are most commonly found at gyms because of their size and expense, but these stair steppers offer a great way to target the thigs. Unlike traditional stair steppers, step mills actually require you to climb rotating steps, forcing the full stair-climbing motion. A few minutes on a step mill and your thighs will start screaming. If you don't have access to a step mill, consider investing between $50 and $150 on an aerobic step. You can set it up and use it to step up and down in a similar fashion to walking up stairs.

Exercising your thighs isn't limited to land-based forms of exercise. If you have access to a swimming pool, you may want to consider using tools like Aqualogix. The Aqualogix leg fins provide multi-directional drag resistance to increase the difficulty of kicking, extending and curling water exercises that target the thighs.

Before spending an arm and a leg on exercise equipment, make sure you identify your budget and your available space. You may also want to think about whether you'd be more likely to exercise at home or at a gym. Once you've hammered that out, start your equipment search online, always checking third party reviews for the equipment and brand before spending your money. If you're going to invest in your health, you want to make sure you're investing wisely.

Muscles Targeted in Squat, Curl and Press

Weight training burns a significant amount of calories, while at the same time building up muscle bulk. For this reason, weight training is popular with those who want to increase the size of their legs, arms and torsos. There are three free weight exercises that are the most popular and target these areas: squats, curls and presses.

Squats are classic, multi-joint (knees and hips) exercises that target a variety of the body's muscle groups, with emphasis on the back and lower body. There are several variations of the squat, but the most common is the parallel back squat. This squat involves placing a barbell across the upper shoulders and back, squatting until the thighs are parallel to the floor, and returning to a standing position. Squats burn a tremendous amount of energy, and activate the following muscle groups:

Many people don't think of the squat as a back exercise, but the erector spinae group of muscles plays a vital role in lateral stability while squatting. They contract isometrically (without shortening or lengthening) to control rotation of the torso.

The gluteus maximus muscle plays a vital role during squats. During the downward phase of the squat, the gluteus maximus contracts while lengthening. This allows the squatter to control the speed and range of descent. During the upward phase of the squat, the muscle contracts while shortening to transfer power to the quadriceps and hamstrings necessary to return to a standing position.

Along with the quadriceps, hamstrings provide the power needed to perform squats. In concert with the gluteus maximus, the hamstrings contract while lengthening during downward movement and contract while shortening on upward movement to facilitate hip extension.

The quadriceps muscle group turns muscle activity into knee extension, which provides the motion necessary to perform squats. While in the downward motion of the squat, the quadriceps contract while lengthening, and contract while shortening when returning to the starting posture.

Curls are a classic weight lift that involves holding a weight in an upward facing palm at a dead hang and then raising the weight to the shoulder. This exercise is used to develop arm musculature and is utilizes these muscle groups:

The goal of curls is to develop the biceps; therefore, it is logical that this is the primary muscle group used. The bicep muscles contract while shortening during the upward lifting phase of the exercise. The muscles contract while lengthening as the weight is being lowered back to the starting position. In this manner, they control the angle of the elbow, which controls arm movement.

Within the range of motion where the biceps is at a mechanical disadvantage, the brachioradialis muscle assists in maintaining elbow motion and control. Like the biceps, the brachioradialis contracts while shortening during lifting and contracts while lengthening as the weight lowers.

The bench press is a very simple motion wherein an individual removes a weighted barbell from an overhead position with arms extended, lowers the weight to his or her chest, and pushes the weight back to the extended position. The bench press is an intense exercise, and makes use of several muscle groups:

The pectoral muscles allow a weight lifter to lift by controlling the motion of the shoulder. As the pectoral muscles contract while shortening, they pull the shoulders forward, which in a supine position, moves the arms upward. While controlling the downward rate of descent and range of motion, the pectoral muscles contract while lengthening.

The deltoid muscles, being much weaker than pectoral muscles, assist the pectoral muscles in shoulder rotation.

The triceps muscles provide upper arm extension and control during the lifting phase of the exercise as they contract while shortening.

The biceps provide lateral stability during the press exercise, alternating between shortening and lengthening as necessary to control the weight which is being lifted.

The human body is a fascinating piece of machinery. An individual's ability to lift or control weight is dependent upon the angles of joints which are connected to rigid bones. It is change of these angles that makes limbs move. These angles are controlled by gravity and muscles, which often oppose each other. By working out the muscles listed above, they grow stronger and can exert more force on these joints, which translates to more strength and an increased ability to lift heavier objects.

Alli Diet Supplement

In 2007, the FDA approved a new over-the-counter diet pill called Alli. Consumers were excited about the possibility of a safe and effective weight loss pill and flocked to drug stores to purchase it. Many are left wondering, however, does Alli work, and what are the side effects?

Alli is the name brand for the over-the-counter diet medication, orlistat. GallaxoSmithKline manufactures the drug, which is available in drug stores around the country. Orlistat is also the active ingredient in the prescription medication Xenical. Alli contains 60 mg of orlistat, while Xenical contains 120 mg per tablet.

According to the calorie hypothesis, when you consume any food, it provides your body with energy. That energy is measured in the form of calories, which are units of energy. Experts posit that the body is a machine acting on the properties of thermodynamics, and that it has certain energy requirements. When you eat foods containing more calories than your body needs, it stores the remaining energy as fat. When you eat foods containing fewer calories than your body needs, it takes the extra required energy from your fat stores. Put simply, the calorie hypothesis suggests that when you eat more calories than you burn, you gain weight. When you eat fewer calories than you burn, you lose weight.

To that end, Alli can help reduce caloric intake by changing how your body absorbs dietary fats. Fat is present in many of the foods you eat, and it is quite calorically dense. While carbohydrates and proteins have four calories per gram, fat has nine. This has led many diet and nutrition experts to hypothesize that foods containing fat are more fattening than foods without them. When you take an Alli pill, it blocks your body from absorbing about 25 percent of the fat present in the foods you eat. This leads to reduced caloric intake, because your body excretes the fat rather than using it as energy.

Since Alli blocks fat calories, this does not mean you can eat anything you want and still lose weight. Instead, the Alli website encourages you to alter your lifestyle as well, pursuing a healthy, low-calorie diet and exercise as part of an overall weight loss plan.

Whenever a new diet or diet product hits the market, two distinct types of evidence emerge in support of or against the efficacy of the product or diet. Empirical evidence utilizes double-blind, placebo-controlled scientific studies to gage a product's efficacy, contraindications, and side effects. Anecdotal evidence arises from user reports about their experiences with the product or diet.

According to MayoClinic.com, studies show that prescription strength orlistat (Xenical) helps users following a low-fat, low-calorie diet and exercise program lose an additional five to seven pounds in a year. With its reduced strength, experts estimate Alli can lead to an additional three to five pounds of weight loss.

The Alli website provides a section for user testimonials in their forums. While customers report weight loss, they all do so citing putting forth tremendous effort of diet and exercise to get the weight off, as well.

When Alli first received approval from the FDA, part of the buzz was about the possible side effects of the medication. In fact, many people feel that the threat of one of the drug's main side effects is what enables users to stick to a low-fat, reduced calorie diet in order to lose weight. The side effect that seems to have such a motivational impact on many Alli users is changes to bowels. Because the 25 percent of fat intake passes through the body unabsorbed, it makes its way out via the intestines. This may result in oily anal leakage and changes to bowel movements, particularly in the early weeks of the program or whenever the Alli user eats more than 15 g of fat at one time. This may manifest as oily bowel movements, diarrhea, oil discharge with gas, poorly controlled bowel movements, and greasy spotting. Other, lesser known side effects of orlistat may include:

Severe allergic reaction such as itching, hives, or anaphylaxis Liver damage Kidney stones Gallbladder disease Nausea Headaches Anxiety Back pain Menstrual irregularity

Only you can decide whether the benefits of taking Alli outweigh the risks of its side effects. Alli is not a magic pill. Instead, it must be combined with a careful regimen of fat-control, diet and exercise. If you do elect to try Alli, the company's website provides an array of tools to help you follow the prescribed plan.

Although it is available over the counter and approved by the FDA, Alli is still a drug that may have other detrimental effects on your health, and it may be contraindicated with other medications or medical conditions. Talk with your doctor before self-prescribing Alli.

Kettlebell Workouts

Kettlebells aren't just for hardcore bodybuilders, and the enthusiasm for them is backed by medical research. A study from the American Council on Exercise concludes that a 20-minute workout with a kettlebell can burn the caloric equivalent of running at a six-minute mile pace.

Try the following moves to get started. All you need is a single kettlebell and an exercise mat.

Grasp the kettlebell in both hands. Assume a squatting position, with your legs hip distance apart, your back straight, and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Hold the kettlebell between your legs. Straighten, stand, and swing the kettlebell outwards until it is at eye level. Contract your thighs. Return to the starting position. Do 10 to 15 repetitions.

Stand up straight with your knees slightly bent, feet hip-distance apart. Grasp the kettlebell in both hands. Raise it over your head, then swing it in a clockwise motion around your head. Repeat 10 to 15 times, then swing the kettlebell in the opposite direction.

Stand upright with your feet hip-distance apart and your feet turned outward 45 degrees. Grasp the kettlebell with both hands in front of you. Bend your knees, keeping your back straight, and place the kettlebell on the floor. Then stand and lift the weight up to chest height, your arms parallel to the floor. Grasp the sides of the handle and lift the kettlebell straight over your head. Lower the weight back down to your chest and return your hands to their original position on the top of the handle. Do 10 to 15 repetitions.

Lie down on your back with your legs straight. Hold the kettlebell in one hand with your arm extended in a straight line from your shoulder. Bend the opposite knee, prop yourself up with your other arm, and slowly rise off the floor, balancing the weight carefully above your shoulder. Stand, and reverse the movement to return to your starting position. Do five repetitions on each side.

Ready to torch those calories in a whole new way? While kettlebells provide stimulating exercise, don't get overeager. The challenge of a kettlebell can also be dangerous. Kettlebells offer a lot of bang for your fitness buck, but the reason they're effective is because they work your core and offset your balance in unexpected ways as you swing the weight around. That unsteady element means you risk injury if you aren't careful. Working out with a kettlebell can be more rewarding and more effective than using regular dumbbells, but the chance of pulling or spraining a muscle is greater.

If you've never used a kettlebell before, author of Kettlebells for DummiesSarah Lurie recommends starting with a lighter weight than you'd use for dumbbells. If you normally lift 8- to 10-pound weights, start with a 15-pound kettlebell.

Stand with good posture throughout your workout to prevent injury to your core. Maintain a natural S-curve in your spine to distribute the weight of the kettlebell correctly. Focus straight ahead, and keep your head and neck aligned with the rest of your spine.

If you're a beginner with the kettlebell, don't try to do too much at once. A short routine or circuit is more than enough. Since kettlebell exercises are so efficient at burning calories, you'll still be getting the level of workout you crave. Put together the kettlebell exercises above into a simple circuit, moving through each exercise one right after the other. Repeat the circuit two or three times. If you need more than that, repeat the circuit again, or do more reps in each circuit until you're ready to move on to a more advanced workout program.

When you're ready to move from a beginner's workout to a more advanced routine, consider outside resources such as kettlebell classes, personal trainers, DVDs, and books to guide you in building a more advanced workout while mastering proper technique and form. Kettlebell resources include books like Russian fitness instructor Pavel Tsatsouline's Enter the Kettlebell or the more advanced Return of the Kettlebell. Also consider DVD programs, such as Phil Ross's Power Body: Advanced Russian Kettlebell.

If you're looking to kick your workout a few notches or find your way out of a fitness rut, a relatively simple set of kettlebell routines can lead to fast results and increased cardiovascular fitness. Remember to warm up and cool down with stretches before and after your workout. The kettlebell will challenge your muscles and core in new ways, so preventing injury and speeding recovery is key to an enjoyable workout.

Negative Attitudes Can Influence Weight

Author and personal trainer, Lori Wengle

They say attitude is everything and when it comes to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, this certainly holds true. Lori Wengle, personal trainer and author of the book The Fat Princess No More, discovered how negative attitudes can influence weight. See what changes she made in her attitude to get to her ideal weight and find out what she recommends for you.

LoveToKnow (LTK): You have said that for you, physical change didn't happen until you made a mental change. What does this mean?

Lori Wengle (LW): After years of being overweight or obese, I realized I was going about things so wrong. I wanted to lose weight for years and years and yo-yo dieted year after year. The mental change that came about is I did not need to diet anymore. I needed to eat healthy, exercise and not obsess about the scale. Nothing was going to be perfect overnight; I had to give myself time to lose weight, weight train and be kinder to myself. If I had a bad day and ate something not too healthy, I had to forgive myself and move forward. The old Lori would have wrecked the whole day with my food choices, thinking since I screwed up one meal, why not make the whole day a massive binge day! The new Lori was kinder to herself and realized it was one mistake, get back on the wagon and just do it.

Another mental change was with exercise! I always knew I needed to exercise, and did so many times. I remember doing all kinds of infomercial workouts, the latest trend, etc. But after some time, I began to not see results and would quit. Eventually, I began to be my own advocate and researched working out and exercise trends. The mental change I had to make is to realize, I had to consistently work out three to four days a week, regardless of anything else. If I wanted to see change in my body, I had to change my thoughts about exercise and I made a daily list of how I felt after working out (which was always wonderful).

Exercise made me feel great, look better, feel stronger, gave me confidence and yet every day I struggled to get to the gym, until one day I realized I needed to do this for ME, so I could finally feel great and look better. I deserved this, my body deserved it and I needed it, like a prescription drug for an illness. Everything changed at that time and I can proudly say, I have been consistent at exercise and healthy eating since 2003! Why? Because I deserve to feel good about myself, happy with body and happy with life, finally!

LTK: What are some common mental obstacles and attitudes people face when trying to lose weight?

LW: The most common mental or attitude obstacles people face is that they do not have enough time to carve out an hour or two a day to eat healthy and exercise. It is stressful to wonder, especially in today's busy schedules, how to find the time for yourself. We do everything for our families, friends, kids, but it is hard for us to make time for ourselves.

Understand that we all need to make time for ourselves to live a long and healthy life!

Another obstacle that many of us use is self defeat! After years of being overweight, sometimes we believe deep down inside that we will never succeed. This obstacle consumed me for decades. It was not until I made realistic goals, and achieved those goals, that I finally lost the weight once and for all! I began with a goal of achieving 195 lbs (down from 242). That was a big goal, but I was kind to myself and set a goal of one pound a week, not getting too crazy with major changes. I made better choices for food and spent more time playing with my then young daughter (almost 20 now).

Then when I achieved that goal, I made another goal of hitting 180, my all time skinniest weight ever! After that I made much smaller goals because I was not sure if I could get any smaller. The next goal was 172, then 167, then 162, then 157 and so on. By making these small goals, I had many successes which led me to go all the way and surpass any of my expectations!

LTK: How do negative attitudes affect our food choices?

LW: When my attitudes are negative in general, I eat poorly. It happens still today to me a few times a year. If I feel like a failure because I missed a workout or ate something I shouldn't have, I immediately stop that type of thinking and give myself a break. I KNOW that if I obsess about it, I will spend the day binging, which is self defeating. I now know that I have to get over it quickly and get back on track.

I use music or a good workout to get my mind off myself defeating, negative attitude and begin living my life again. It did take years to get here, but everyone can change their attitude and forgive themselves. It takes practice but feels so good when you don't obsess about every little mistake.

LTK: How can negative attitudes be changed?

LW: To change these attitudes it takes a lot of perseverance! I feel many of these obstacles have a lot to do with feelings of guilt about spending time on ourselves. Somehow we have to understand, the better we feel, the better we can take care of everyone in our lives.

I spent lots of time writing a food/mood journal and exercise journal and would always put down comments that would help me defeat some of my common attitude adjustments I needed. I would write [things like], "You deserve to be happy with your body."

LTK: What common food misconceptions sabotage weight loss and how can those be corrected?

LW: The biggest issue that I have and my clients have is serving size rather than food misconception. We really do know what we should eat or should not eat. The biggest issue is what a serving size is!

After I grocery shop for the week, I split everything up into serving sizes immediately. When I cook for my week, I again put all my food in serving size baggies so that I can grab and go. I can visualize, after much research, what a serving size of chicken looks like or a serving of fruit.

LTK: What other tips can you share about having the right attitude for weight loss?

LW: Weight loss is a journey, kind of like beginning your first day at college. Both can overwhelm you. When you begin college, if you don't take your courses one quarter or semester at a time, you would be overwhelmed. Well the same holds true for weight loss. Set realistic goals that are attainable for YOUR body. Make sure you have successes and praise yourself often for your good attitudes, weight loss, and exercise plan. If you change your mindset to say, "I need to eat healthy and exercise often, period," then you will not think of it as the D word (diet); you will think of it more as a learning journey. It's all about you. Better health, better body image and a happy you.

Remember, Extreme Weight Loss is one to two pounds per week! Extreme Weight Loss is attainable and sustainable weight loss!

LTK: Anything else you'd like to share?

LW: Be kind to yourself, forgive yourself and understand you deserve to feel good! If you are on a diet and the diet dictates you can never eat certain food, find a different diet.

If I had to go through life thinking I could never eat a piece or two of pizza, I am not sure if I could continue on. Everything I eat is in a serving size, so nothing is out of the question for me as a treat from time to time. And I use a pay forward program for those times that I want a yummy treat. If I know I will be at a wedding or other event where food may tempt me, I do extra cardio or workouts that week to burn the extra calories BEFORE I go to the event. That way if there is something I really want, I don't have to feel guilty about eating something considered bad for me. I already paid it forward!

To learn more about Lori and her methods for getting fit, visit her website ChangeYourWorldFitness.com. There you can find out about her Personal Trainer in a Box program as well as her book, The Fat Princess No More.

LoveToKnow would like to thank Lori Wengle for taking the time for this interview.